New judge to be sworn in this month

Justice Earl D. Johnson steps up to the Nunavut Court of Justice bench to start work on Sept. 9.

Johnson’s appointment in July by federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon fills a post that’s been vacant for three years.

His arrival will lighten the caseloads of Nunavut’s current two judges and decrease the number of deputy judges called in during busy weeks and months.

Johnson has practised law in Yellowknife since the mid-1970s. He joins Nunavut senior judge, Justice Beverley Browne, and Justice Robert Kilpatrick.

Judge Calvin Tallis of Yellowknife will swear in Johnston on Sept. 20.